Public Transportation

Riding Cleveland's public transportation is a great way to get around town. Each semester, full-time students receive a RTA bus pass that covers both the RTA bus lines and rapid transit. While it is a great way to get around, it will take some planning.

Bus Pass FAQs

Where do I pick up my bus pass?Bus passes are distributed each semester from the Student Life and Housing office in the JMC. You will be asked to sign that you have received your pass.

What happens if I lose my bus pass?Please see Matthew Smith, Director of Student Life and Housing, and he will give you a form that you will have to take to Crawford Hall to get a new one printed. If you happen to lose your pass, it will cost $25 to replace. You may use CaseCash to pay for the new bus pass.

What does the bus pass look like?The pass looks like a thinner version of your student ID. It has your name and picture on it.

How can I find out how to get somewhere on RTA?That part is easy. You can plan your trip by clicking here: RideRTA.com. The RTA website also offers printable bus schedules.

Popular Routes

Popular bus routes for CIA students are:

Number 9 bus travels up Mayfield Road to Utrecht Art supply store, Coventry, Severance Town Center (Walmart, Cinemark movie theater, Home Depot), and Prizm in the Greens of Lyndhurst.

The Euclid HealthLine travels past the Cleveland Clinic, Playhouse Square, Midtown, and loops all the way downtown to Public Square and Tower City.

The Red Line Rapid travels all the way to the Airport and passes Tower City Center, the historic Westside Market, Ohio City, and the West Park neighborhood. You can also take the Red Line to Pat Catan's craft store on Berea Rd.

The Green Line Rapid travels east to Shaker Square and University Heights, and the Nature Center Station.

The Blue Line Rapid travels to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Browns Stadium, the East 9th St. Pier, and the William Mather Museum.

Parking at CIA

Student parking is located in assigned parking lots in the University Circle area. Parking lots require an access card and parking hang tag, which can be purchased through the Business Office and issued by the Facilities Office. Purchase of a parking permit does not guarantee availability of a parking space; parking is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Any car without a current hangtag is subject to ticketing and/or tow at the owner’s expense.

The hangtag should be hung on the rear view mirror and can be transferred from one car to another should the need arise. Anyone using an Institute parking lot is subject to the college’s parking policies issued at the time of permit pick-up.

For motorist assistance

Call University Circle Inc. Parking and Transportation at 216.791.6226.

Assistance can be provided for battery boosts, flat tire inflation, keys locked in car, and gasoline at cost.